A task force established by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) recommended that the TPB endorse five initiatives – with the potential to improve the region’s transportation system – for further study and future incorporation into the region’s long-range transportation plans. These were primarily focused on transit, land use and transportation demand management. But later the TPB recommended the addition of two other initiatives focused on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The “non-motorized” initiatives supplement the five initiatives focused on other forms of transportation.

Of the first five, one specifically mentioned cycling

Bus rapid transit and transitways throughout the region with improved bicycle and pedestrian connections

But the two non-motorized ones were the National Capital Trail and accessing transit stations by walking or biking (which is very similar to the one listed above).

The [National Capitol Trail] is 60 miles long but there are gaps of 21 miles yet to be constructed. Three miles of the trail also need upgrades. The trail connects 36 of the region’s activity centers and 26 Metrorail Stations. These connections show how important the network is to helping people get around on foot, by bike, and being able to connect homes, jobs, shopping, and more.

In approving the station access initiative, the TPB called attention to WMATA’s prioritization as an example of the types of projects the region should implement near high-capacity transit throughout the region. The concept does not only apply to Metrorail – it also calls for improved pedestrian and bicycle access to commuter rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit.